A former boss of Travis Perkins is to be named as the next chair of Channel 4, the state-owned broadcaster.
Sky News can reveal that Geoff Cooper, who chairs the online electrical goods retailer AO, will be appointed by Ofcom, the media regulator, later on Wednesday.
Mr Cooper’s appointment has been signed off by Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, according to insiders.
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He is understood to have seen off competition from rival candidates including Debbie Wosskow, the entrepreneur, and financier Wol Kolade.
Sky News revealed Mr Cooper’s involvement in the process during the summer.
The process to recruit a chair for Channel 4 was launched earlier this year, with Dawn Airey, the media industry veteran, holding the role on an interim basis.
Sir Ian Cheshire, the former Kingfisher chief executive, stepped down after just one term in the post.
Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to retain Lisa Nandy as culture secretary has removed a potential reason for the conclusion of the process to be delayed, with insiders suggesting a decision about a preferred candidate is imminent.
Sir Ian stepped down earlier this year after just one three-year term in the role.
The race to lead the state-owned broadcaster’s board has acquired additional importance since the resignation of Alex Mahon, its long-serving chief executive.
Ms Mahon, who was a vocal opponent of the last Conservative government’s proposed privatisation of Channel 4, has left to join Superstruct, a private equity-owned live entertainment company.
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Recruitment to the board of Channel 4 is technically led by Ofcom, the media regulator, in agreement with the culture secretary.
Ms Nandy is also expected to launch a search shortly for a successor to Lord Grade, the Ofcom chair.
Nobody involved in the appointment would comment on Wednesday.
